Dr David Nellor

David Nellor is a Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute. He is a PhD economist with extensive international experience across economic policy, development, financial markets, and the climate and energy transition. His work combines applied economic expertise with advanced data analytics to support policy design, market analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Dr Nellor spent 25 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), working extensively on emerging markets, particularly in Asia. During this period, he advised ministers of finance and central bank governors as well as leading teams negotiating and implementing economic programs.

He has also advised senior policymakers outside the IMF, including Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, and was involved in the G20 process. His experience spans both public policy and the private sector. Earlier in his career, he worked as an investment manager in global and Asian emerging markets and in a diversified multinational company with a focus on China and Southeast Asia.

Dr Nellor served as CEO of Prospera, the Australia–Indonesia Partnership for Economic Development, and its predecessor for more than ten years. In the role, he led this major economic development program supporting policy reform in Indonesia across areas including trade and investment, industry, financial sector development, government budget management, sustainable finance, and the energy transition.

Based in Southeast Asia, and in addition to his role at the Lowy Institute, he works as an independent adviser to governments, development institutions, and companies on economic strategy, regional economic developments, and pathways to policy reform, and is a partner in efforts to bring AI and data analytics to development.